I don’t feel goals and objectives should change when taking courses online compared to classroom based instruction. Online tools are just as resourceful for online classes as well as classroom based. They can be used to support both in similar ways. The goals and objectives should all be based on “what learning should take place.” If that is the main goal then I don’t see the location playing a vital role in goals and objectives. Yes, they’ll be presented in different formats due to the location; however, the overall goal and objectives should not change drastically.

I do believe the global nature of the web has a great impact on evaluation. So many issues can be addressed and evaluated using the web. There are so many online tools and evaluation ideas on the web. For example, Spelling City (website) is used to evaluate students progress in spelling. If not using the web, one must use other resources (concrete) to evaluate. When thinking educationally, the web is used to translate assessments/ evaluations to educators (i.e. Thinklink learning assessment scores…used as analysis of student learning). These tools are used to explain exactly what each student needs based on the evaluations (results are translated through the use of the web). It is much more convenient and effective. The global nature of the web does highly impact evaluation. Without this highly used resource, tracking evaluations would be much more difficult.

I’m trying to figure out what’s going on with Outpost. I can usually make it to the grasslands to kill a few rabbits. Then something usually takes me out. Not a pretty picture!!! I’m skilled enough at this time to make it to the next level. I don’t have enough points in order to gain my next quest (which is very frustrating). Everyone is very helpful and willing to drag my corpse back into safety (THANKS!!!). I’m not giving up…just a little frustrated. I don’t really understand how or when to use my coins and how to gain levels (or quests). It would be easier if I knew what exactly to do. As of right now, I’m going to kill more rabbits and hope for the best. See you in world (look out for Untried…you’ll probably see my corpse somewhere)…

I don’t think this article was located exactly on OLDaily, but Stephen addresses student learning (and rigor redefined) in his blog (and the article). The article explains things students should learn (and basically how to evaluate the learning process). My interpretation of the article is based on the creativity and depth of knowledge the student puts forth. All the areas mentioned work together towards the evaluation process (of rigor and relevance). When thinking of rigor in the classroom…students depth of knowledge (and skill area) are very important to the actual evaluation process.

What are the factors that promote “cheating?” Are they realistic? How is the perception different from the reality?

I totally agree with Dr. Lowell that much time and emphasis goes into cheating. It sounds simple, but done properly…should have done the work yourself. In my opinion, assessment at a distance is a great resource that is taken advantage of from time to time (however, what in this world is not taken advantage of). If you’re giving true assessments that are engaging and learning based, one should not want to cheat. I must say, I had numerous college courses that were a total waste of time and money. I learned absolutely noting and spent my time writing silly papers that I will never look at again. Did this help me with learning? No…just wasted my valuable time. Assessments do not always need be research papers, written open response, etc. As Dr. Lowell mentioned in his post, you can tell when something doesn’t seem ones own (especially if you’ve worked with that person over a period of time). Factors that promote cheating: boring, worthless, no reliable assignments. Reality is that you can’t keep everything error free. There will be those few that press the limit. For the most part, if assignments are true learning based, students will want to complete the assignment. In my opinion, making assessments fun and valid will ensure that your students give you a true result.

Capstone Idea: I have already created a tapped in classroom and would like to use this as my capstone project. While exploring tapped in, (at the beginning of the semester) I realized one could create their own classroom. I created a room and now must figure out how to make it beneficial, educational,and resourceful for my parents, students, and colleagues. I also thought about creating a classroom blog that could be used for parents and students. I’ve already started both (this semester) but am undecided on which one to use. All suggestions are greatly appreciated. For those interested in creating a classroom at tapped in…find Jeff. He was very helpful and guided me in the right direction (however, my classroom is bare at this time…a work in progress).

FRUSTRATION- I feel like I’m still at square one. I haven’t changed my status at this time. I’m still trying to figure out the codes but have successfully practiced my skills. After juggling with family affairs this week, I plan to dive a little deeper into the game. I must admit, I’m a little nervous to enter the grasslands. I don’t feel prepared and know very little. After playing some this week, I realized I have few coins and need more money to finish up my training. I went to the gate to pick up a long sword (to sell at the weapon shop). That was a task!!! I finally had enough coins to buy some bread but I’m still lacking in some areas. I wish there I had a sheet to print that had every code one would need in order to survive in the game (i.e. I had no idea that I could go to the main gate and pick up items).I feel while I’m in world that I ask more questions than playing.I’m so glad there are others willing to help; although, I feel a bit burdensome at times. The Newbie guide does not seem to be much help (for someone that is clueless to mudding).Never mind me…off my soapbox…hope to play again tomorrow (overlook the venting and frustration). I would love to know what level I’m on…does anyone know how to determine the level status? I know that you type in level, score, etc. but it gives me some large number (have no idea what it means). Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!If you see my body please drag me in (Untried). See you in world!

How do we know if students are learning and our objectives are clear? One must know exactly what goals and objectives they have for a given course. There are different ways to assess student learning. My personal favorite is assessing in small groups (giving a task and watching it be carried out). I like to see my students complete the task (verses paper and pencil test). I don’t see this being much different regardless of where you are.If you were assessing using an online tool, answers could be given in steps to ease and better understand the thought process of your students. In my opinion, assessing knowledge can be done anywhere. It is basically up to “giving the right questions.”

This particular blog explains (view tag) how he uses blogs within his classroom routine. One could use blogs to determine what is being learned within the classroom (reflections of readings, thoughts of each lesson, ideas and much more). Blogging is only one of the many ideas one could use to demonstrate learning (and assess as well).

Thank God I’m not teaching in a portfolio driven area (intermediate). When teaching in the primary grades, less stress is placed on the portfolio itself. However, much thought and time is placed in each portfolio piece in order to see exactly what each child can master. I’ve never understand the true “Big Deal” with portfolios and why it plays such an important role on the intermediate grades. It all boils down to state mandates and what MUST be done. I heard a lady today speak about being inspired to one day see the “T” put back in Teaching verses the “T” for testing. If more emphasis were placed on student achievement and what they actually can do independently instead of the test, results would be more accurate. That’s the challenge we face as educators each day.